Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Practice Test 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Exam Preparation Guide

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a serious condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which can lead to right heart failure and other complications. One of the recognized risk factors for developing pulmonary artery hypertension is chronic pulmonary disease.

Chronic pulmonary disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or interstitial lung disease, can lead to structural changes in the lungs and pulmonary vessels. Inflammation, hypoxia, and damage to lung tissue contribute to vasoconstriction and remodeling of the pulmonary arteries, subsequently increasing pressure within these vessels. This can ultimately result in increased workload on the right side of the heart, potentially leading to heart failure.

The other options, while they may be associated with various health risks, do not have a direct or established correlation with the development of pulmonary artery hypertension. For example, although a closed head injury may have systemic effects, it is not directly linked to the mechanisms that cause PAH. Similarly, acid reflux disease primarily affects the gastrointestinal system and does not influence pulmonary vascular resistance. Tuberculosis can lead to lung damage, but its association with PAH is less clear and would typically be considered in the context of other lung pathologies.

Thus, chronic pulmonary disease stands out as